I have read every single wardrobe evaluation that was posted this month. All of the posts have been so inspirational to me. I took that inspiration and really worked on my wardrobe. I took it a bit further and started evaluating my makeup and toiletries as well. I dumped all the stuff was old and/or rarely used. I found stuff. I found stuff that I didn't even remember buying, much less using. As a reward for my hard work, I got a pedicure.

The wardrobe evaluations got me thinking about my personal needs. I wear multiple complete ensembles during my day. No overlap. No cross over. Each ensemble is based on the same exact formula: bottom (usually pants in a dark color); top (contrasting); shoes; and earrings.

Here are my categories:

WORK: four days a week. I need four bottoms and four tops (no toppers) for work for one week. No repeats during the week. So if I would like to have two weeks of no repeats, I need eight bottoms and eight tops. I currently have five bottoms in rotation. Although this number falls short of the goal, all five are stellar and I am happy to wear any of them on any given day. Obviously I get dressed every day, but this category could use some attention.

CASUAL: seven days a week. I need at least four bottoms and four tops for casual for one week. I do repeat casual, but I would like to reach a point where I don't repeat casual outfits in a given week. So in essence, I would really like seven bottoms and seven tops. I currently have six bottoms in rotation. All six are "my favorite." Here is the problem. Two of the six are a print. I love them, but the print severely limits the tops I can coordinate them. I am constantly having to search for tops that work with these two print bottoms and I find I reach for the same exact three shirts ad nauseum. I am so tired of those three shirts (note, I am not tired of the bottoms).

I am inclined to wear a topper during the winter months so that adds one piece to this formula. I have yet to switch over my closet, but I feel I have toppers covered.

Oh, and I don't want my casual clothing to consist of work clothes that have been downgraded to casual. I want casual clothing that make me feel really good about myself.

LOUNGING/SLEEP: seven days a week. One bottom and one matching top. I am set here. Everything I own is relatively new and a perfect 10. All are comfortable. All are coordinating. I am quite proud of this particular capsule.

GYM: five days a week. I need five bottoms and five tops for one week. Because I sweat so much when I work out, I tend to wash these garments frequently. I actually own seven bottoms and ten tops. During the Winter, I add a topper to this formula if I am outdoors.

What did I learn? I have a lot of clothes, but there are certain pieces that I reach for over and over again. I can rationalize a shopping spree.